"The issue of appropriation of Black cultural expression has been brought to light in recent years. More people have come to understand why a non-Black person wearing cornrows or dreadlocks is problematic, or why blackface and verbalizing the ‘N-word’ in songs is harmful. Appropriation causes harm when it perpetuates stereotypes, turns culture into a commodity, and uses historical traditions as a trend, while the originating group continues to experience discrimination for the very same thing.
Language can act in a similar manner. Within any culture, language is the basis for communicating ideas, and plays a role in shaping people’s sense of community. Yet, in North American pop culture, Black Vernacular English (BVE) is often used by non-Black people for social capital. Due to its social influence, BVE is often misused out of context in an attempt to be relevant, relatable, or for credibility."
Using Black Vernacular English (BVE) as a Non-Black Person Isn’t “Woke” if You Don't Understand the History — Feminuity
In North America, BVE is often used by non-Black people for social capital, misusing it in attempt to be relevant, relatable, or for credibility. Due to the privilege of “standard English,” Black people regularly have to self-police their use of BVE in order to survive, while non-Black people can go
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